Whale sightings feel closer from a yacht. I love the private yacht cruise setup from Playa de las Américas, because you stay with your own group on a 40-foot sailing boat. I also love that the trip includes sonar equipment, so whale-and-dolphin watching is more than just waiting and staring.

One catch: it depends on good weather. If the sea conditions aren’t right, the operator may shift the date or cancel, and that can test your flexibility.

Still, it’s a great format for a relaxed afternoon at sea: you’ll get drinks and snacks onboard, plus time to swim and snorkel right after the skipper drops anchor.

Key things I’d circle on your planning list

• Private boat, up to 11 people: no mixed crowds, and you control the vibe with your group
• Sonar gear for wildlife spotting: helps turn whale-and-dolphin watching into an active search
• Open bar with Champagne plus unlimited drinks: you’re not rationing refreshments while you scan the horizon
• Anchor time for swimming and snorkeling: you’re not just sightseeing from above the water
• Pilot whales in local waters year-round: the itinerary is built around species that are often present

A 40-Foot Private Sailing Yacht Off Playa de las Américas

This is one of those trips where the size matters. You’re on a 40-foot (12.19-meter) sailing yacht with room for up to 11 passengers, which keeps everything feel personal. The deck space is practical, and you also get a saloon cabin where you can duck out of wind or sun when you need a breather.

What you’re paying for isn’t only the location. It’s the fact that you’re not sharing the boat with strangers who are trying to do the same thing on a different schedule. For a family day, a group of friends, or a couple who wants quiet time with the sea, this private format changes the whole experience.

There’s also a small psychological perk: once you’re aboard, you feel like you’re part of the operation. You meet the skipper, get a safety briefing, and then you’re out to the open Atlantic with the rest handled. That structure keeps it calm instead of chaotic.

Drinks, Snacks, and That First Sip at Sea

The onboard food-and-drink setup is straightforward and generous. You get a glass of Champagne, and after that you’ll have unlimited beer, wine, sodas, and bottled water. There are also light snacks during the cruise.

One detail I like: the drinks arrive early enough that you can settle in before you start scanning for wildlife. That matters because whale watching can be slow. When you’re comfortable and not worrying about refreshments, you stay patient and focused.

Also, the boat experience isn’t just about alcohol. There’s bottled water and sodas in the unlimited mix, which is helpful if you’re traveling with teens or you just want to pace yourself. And if you’re traveling with dietary needs, there’s a vegetarian option available—just advise when you book.

Sonar Equipment and Wildlife Watching With Real Direction

Here’s what makes this tour feel different from basic “look for dolphins” sightseeing: you’re using sonar equipment to listen for whales and dolphins. Instead of relying entirely on luck or timing, you’re getting extra input that can guide where you should be paying attention.

From the route planning, the main stars are pilot whales, plus dolphins and sea turtles. Pilot whales are described as present in the local waters year-round, which is a big deal for you. It means the operator isn’t only chasing sightings during one seasonal window.

The skipper’s role is practical: they’re keeping lookout while the sonar helps narrow the search. You’ll likely feel the shift from wandering curiosity to a kind of organized hunt—eyes up, then listening, then scanning again. It’s a fun rhythm, especially for kids who get bored if they’re only sitting.

In past trips, captains and hosts like Guy and Juan Ángel have been praised for staying relaxed while helping everyone understand what to look for. Another host name that shows up is Maxi, with guests specifically mentioning extra care in directing attention to where the action might be. That’s the kind of leadership that turns a calm boat ride into a more memorable one.

The Cruise Plan: Boarding Briefing to Anchor-and-Swim Time

Your trip starts at the marina jetty where you find Tenerife Sailing Charters for the meet-up. You’ll board, get a briefing, and receive a safety briefing. Then you settle in and start cruising toward the open Atlantic, moving into waters known for whale and dolphin sightings.

The cruise itself is built around time on the water rather than a long list of stops. Depending on what you choose, you can go for a 3-hour or a 6-hour sailing cruise, with morning or afternoon options. Even the shorter option gives you time to get out, watch, and still do the water part.

At some point during the cruise, the skipper drops anchor. This is where the trip stops being only observational. You can swim from the boat, and if you want to see more, you can use the onboard snorkeling gear.

A key drawback to keep in mind: the plan depends on conditions. If the sea state is rough, you may not get the same comfort level for swimming. Since the tour requires good weather, you’re smart to treat the swim/snorkel time as a bonus that’s subject to the sea cooperating.

Snorkeling Gear and What You Might See Underwater

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and you’ll have time to use it after the anchor stop. The idea isn’t just to splash around. It’s to explore the underwater world close up, which is where sea turtles and other marine life may appear.

Since the exact sightings aren’t guaranteed, I’d think of snorkeling as a “chance for a different angle,” not a promise. But the payoff can be high because underwater visibility and proximity can make you feel like you’re part of the ecosystem rather than a spectator on top of it.

Practical note: you’ll be on the water, so plan for wind and sun. Even if Tenerife feels mild on land, it can feel cooler or breezier on the deck. If you tend to get cold easily, bring a layer that you can wear after swimming.

Meeting at Puerto Colón, Finding the Boat, and Handling Pickup

You’ll meet at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, in 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The trip ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t have to worry about being dropped off elsewhere.

Pickup is offered, but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to contact the operator at least 24 hours before the trip starts to arrange pickup details. If you want an easier morning (or a smoother afternoon), I’d reach out as soon as you book so you’re not scrambling later.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket. That’s convenient because you can keep everything on your phone instead of hunting for paper confirmations at the dock.

Price Per Group: Is $716.45 Good Value?

The price is $716.45 per group, with a maximum of 11 people. Private tours can sound pricey until you do the math.

If your group fills the boat with 11 people, you’re looking at roughly $65 per person. If you have fewer passengers, the per-person cost climbs, but the boat stays private, which is still a real value factor.

Where the value often shows up best:

• If you’re traveling with a group (family, friends, or a small celebration) and you want everyone together without extra coordination
• If you care about the included experience elements—sonar, unlimited drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear—rather than just being on a boat
• If you want a more relaxed, adult-friendly vibe (the Champagne and open bar setup is part of that)

If you’re only two people, it still can be worth it for privacy and for the onboard inclusions, but you’ll want to be honest about what you’re really buying: time, space, and guided wildlife searching more than a budget sightseeing option.

Who This Private Whale and Dolphin Yacht Tour Fits Best

This tour fits best when you want the “sea day” feeling without the hassle of big group logistics. It’s also a strong pick for people who like structure—briefing, then cruising, then anchor time—because it keeps the experience moving.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if you:

• Want a private boat rather than a shared tour
• Like animals and want more than passive watching, thanks to sonar equipment
• Enjoy being comfortable onboard with snacks, water, and unlimited drinks
• Would use the snorkeling gear and actually want water time

It also works well for mixed groups. There’s a vegetarian option, service animals are allowed, and the tour is described as near public transportation. The operator says most travelers can participate, which is reassuring if you’re trying to plan for a broader group dynamic.

Should You Book This Private Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching?

I’d book it if your priorities are privacy, active wildlife searching, and a day that mixes sightseeing with actual time in the water. The combination of sonar equipment, pilot whales in local waters year-round, and the included Champagne-and-open-bar setup makes this feel like a complete outing rather than a short “maybe we’ll see something” cruise.

I’d be cautious if you know you won’t handle weather-related changes. This experience needs good conditions, and that can affect whether you get the full plan or need to move to another date.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to make the most of a small weather window, this is a good bet in Tenerife—especially when you want your group to have the whole boat and a skipper who helps you focus on where the wildlife might show up.

FAQ

What is the price for the private yacht whale and dolphin watching tour?

The price is $716.45 per group for up to 11 people.

How long is the tour?

The experience is listed as approximately 3 hours, and you can also choose a 3-hour or 6-hour cruise option.

What’s included onboard?

The tour includes beverages (including bottled water and a glass of Champagne), light refreshments, unlimited beer and wine, sodas, and the use of snorkeling equipment. It also includes private tour service and sonar equipment to listen for whales and dolphins.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but it is not included. You need to contact the provider at least 24 hours before the trip to arrange pickup details.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

South of Tenerife : DSD Scuba Diving for beginners, AdejePrivate Family Surf LessonParagliding flight with a Spanish Champion 2021/2022.Acro Paragliding Adventure in Costa Adeje with FREE Pickup !!